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What Should I Do After A San Bernardino Car Accident?

August 15, 2017

If you have been involved in a car accident in San Bernardino, California, you are not alone. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 1,856 people were injured in the county during 2014. Several of those crashes involved distracted driving, driving under the influence, and other preventable issues. As an example, 279 crashes were classified as speed related while 273 involved a drunken driver. San Bernardino County had a population of 213,259 people during 2014 and law enforcement reported 472 DUI arrests.

A car accident can be very stressful. You can suffer a variety of damages in a crash. The most common damages include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, property damages, future loss of earnings, future medical expenses, permanent scarring and disfigurement, and more depending on the severity of the accident and the injuries that result. It is important that you try to remain calm following a crash and do everything that you can to preserve the evidence and protect your rights.

Need to file a car accident claim? Call a Hurt Now attorney today!

Here are a few tips regarding how to handle the aftermath of a car accident in San Bernardino:

Even if the accident is minor, you should stay on the scene of the crash and notify law enforcement. An accident report will need to be filed.

Exchange insurance details and contact information with the other driver.

Use your smartphone to get photos of the accident scene. Try to get pictures of the damaged vehicles. You might want to photograph any visible injuries as well.

Ask any witnesses to the crash to provide written statements. Ask them to include their names and contact details as well.

Get examined by a medical professional. A visit to the local emergency room would be in order.

Maintain all documentation to support your personal injury claim. Keep all medical records, medical bills, receipts for auto repairs and towing, proof of missed work due to the injuries, and any photos of injuries or damages.

What Kinds of Damages Result from a San Bernardino Motor Vehicle Accident?

If you have been involved in a car accident in San Bernardino, you could suffer a variety of damages. While the damages might vary from one crash to another depending upon the kind of accident and its severity, there are several different losses that could be suffered. You can file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your losses. Here are some of the common damages that you might suffer following a car accident:

Medical expenses – If you have been in a car crash, you will need to seek medical care. The medical expenses will vary depending on your injuries and what kind of care you must seek. Usually, there is an emergency room visit. Follow up care, including specialists, physical therapy, prescriptions, medical devices such as crutches, and any rehabilitation services are included in your medical expense total.

Lost wages – If you have been injured in a car crash, you might find yourself unable to work while you recover. Document all hours missed from work and your pay rate. You will want to be reimbursed for the time missed from work.

Pain and suffering – If you have medical expenses and missed work, you are going to be eligible for pain and suffering. Of course, the value of your pain and suffering claim is dependent upon the severity of your injuries. As an example, a claim for a broken bone is worth more than a claim for whiplash or pulled muscles.

Property damages – Any property damaged or destroyed in the crash falls under the property damage portion of your personal injury claim. This might include damages to your vehicle. Get a written estimate from a qualified body shop for fixing your car. Keep receipts for repairs that you have done and for any towing services. If you have to use a rental car while your car is inoperable, be sure to keep that receipt as well. Broken eyeglasses or other damaged property can be included in this portion of your claim.

Loss of enjoyment of life – If your injuries have prevented you from participating in hobbies or things you enjoy, your quality of life and enjoyment of life have been impacted. This is especially true if you have injuries that will last long-term or that might cause permanent disabilities.

Loss of consortium – Certain family members, such as a spouse, children, or your parents might be able to seek damages because your injuries sustained in the accident has impacted your relationship with them.

Permanent scarring and disfigurement – If you have scars or are disfigured or suffered permanent disabilities, you can seek damages for that aspect of your injury.

Other damages – Other damages might be claimed depending on your accident and the damages that you suffered from the collision.

Your San Bernardino personal injury attorney can help you determine which damages and determine the value of your claim. The attorneys at 1-800 HURT-NOW are experienced in handling car accident injury claims. George Arvanitis has experience with auto accident injury law. He understands how insurance companies work after having represented insurance companies and their insured clients for years. His knowledge provides his clients with experience and skills that benefit them throughout the personal injury claim process.

How Do I File a San Bernardino Personal Injury Claim After a Car Accident?

If you have been involved in a car accident in San Bernardino, you will need to file a personal injury claim against the liable party to recover compensation for the damages that you suffered. Because of the complexity of such claims, you should consult with an experienced auto accident injury lawyer who knows how to deal with insurance companies and who can help you get a fair settlement or judgment based on the damages that resulted from the crash.

Consult with a California Car Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a San Bernardino car accident, call 1-800 HURT-NOW to schedule a free case evaluation. We have four offices located throughout California and a proven track record of successful settlements and judgments for clients. If you don’t win your case, there is no fee. Call 1-800 HURT-NOW to get the help you need after your car crash.

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*While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call or complete the form here.

*While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call or complete the form here.